Oops, sorry I haven't written for a couple days. Generally I just don't have time to sit down and write during the day and at night I just go and go and go and then CRASH!
But I'll give you the heads up now. Let's see what I can remember.
Sunday - We got back from Maalot after forgetting our CD/DVD case (still working on getting that back) and I think we hung out for a bit. My old friend Shlomi came by at around 5:30 or so and he actually was nice enough to give us a lift over to the Matnas so we could sign up for Ulpan. While we were waiting, he took Jonah to the park where they had a blast on the playground. Shlomi says it's been ages since he has played with a little kid and he didn't know how to answer all his questions (mind you, Shlomi is not completely fluent in English but he does try). He said Jonah asked him, "Why are all the people in such a hurry?" and he didn't know what to answer. :) I thought that was funny.
The ulpan sign-up took awhile but we finally made it back to our apartment where we ordered from the Shnitzelria and made the kids chicken nuggets. Mmm, good food.
Then - bed time for the kiddies and goodbye Shlomi.
Monday - I went to the Daycare and finished signing Sammy up for paperwork. A little background. Sammy came down with a cold last Wednesday. Then he had a slight fever on Friday. It kinda came and went but Monday morning he woke up late and from the moment he woke up, he was crying and crying. His cold was as bad as ever and he was really warm. I was supposed to go with a friend in the afternoon to sign up for the health care clinic but ended up going in the morning with a different friend so I could try to get Sammy seen. The only available appointment was for 6:50 that night - so we took it. Then we dropped Sammy off with Shu and went to the cheaper grocery store where I got a "Grocery Lesson" and to the pharmacy for Acomoli (like Infant Tylenol). Then back home.Jonah had a birthday party that he was both attending and being honored at. Turns out, he and another little girl share the same Hebrew birthday. We're friends with her family and they were SOOO sweet and decided to make the party for Jonah too. They even made a homemade cake with a #4 and blue frosting!! It was really nice. Even if both Jonah and the little girl were a bit overwhelmed. We made it home for Sarra and Shlomo to come over for dinner and because the kids were a little nuts or sick, we opted to pick up pizza. We tried out a new place this time, Pizza Kid, and I personally thought it was quite good. Of course before I got to eat it, I had to get Sammy to the doctor. Shlomo took me (and stayed in case I needed a translater) but it turned out all was ok. The doc spoke PERFECT English, was very friendly, and told me Sammy has a virus (a cold) and I probably knew that already. Nothing much to do for it.
Then we went back and ate yummy pizza and then bedtime for the kiddies. Shu and I ran next door for a minute and Sarra and Shlomo actually got Jonah to sleep! After many books of course. :)
Then we hung out for a bit and they left. Oh yah, they brought us a table, chairs, and some kitchen utensils so we could start cooking/heating stuff up. Woohoo!!!
My plan was to post about the whole week but I'm at that point of crashing and I am also starting to not feel so well. Doesn't surprise me if Sammy got me sick. Awwww. So I'm going to sleep!
Keep reading - hope you are enjoying. :)
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Friday and Shabbat - woohoo!!
So - we survived Thursday. I notice a number of my blogs start "we survived". :) Well, it's not easy being an immigrant, I'll admit that!
Friday was a much better day. We got Jonah off to Gan and he even agreed to stay. We re-met his new Ganenet too. I came back to the apartment afterwards and packed for Shabbat. Then I did a bit of work and I don't remember what else and it was time to get Jonah. He stayed the whole day - woohoo!!
So we picked him up and our friend Jodi actually dropped us off so I could lend her some diaper cream for her poor baby's tushy. Yay - Triple Paste!! Whoever told me about that, G-d bless you. :) It has saved many a tushy!!
We had to get to the Rosh Ha'Ayin train station which is about a 15-20 minute drive. If we had a car....we were trying to figure out the whole bus system but since we HAD to make the train because it was the last one of the day, we opted to splurge and get a taxi. It was worth the extra money to have infinitely less stress, make sure we are there on time, etc. It wasn't cheap though. I am hoping in the future to either find a ride from someone or perhaps find a college student with a car who wants to make a few extra shek....
So we took the taxi and got to the train station. It was practically deserted, I guess because it's Erev Shabbat and the last train of the day. We made sure we knew which train to catch and when it came, attempted to get on. Jonah was scared to take the big step to get on the train and while he was dilly-dallying, the doors started to close! It scared the "bejeebers" out of him. And me. And Shauli. Sammy wasn't really concerned. He was probably jealous that it closed on Jonah and not him. :) So that was fun.
We got on the train and chose seats and off we headed. We had to change trains in Tel Aviv but it wasn't a big deal and it came within 10 minutes. Then we were on our way to Nahariya. The kids LOVED it and behaved very very well. They were fascinated just looking out the window!
Sadly, we sat on the wrong side of the train so we weren't on the water/beach side. We got to Nahariya and Simmy and my father-in-law picked us up. It was about a 15 minutes drive to Maalot and then we got to see the whole gang again. Plus Mom and Dad. Woohoo!!!
Jonah immediately started playing with his cousins and a little later, Shlomo, Sarra, David, Shany, and Shilo arrived. Woohoo!!!
And then it was time for Shabbat!
We had a beautiful Shabbat in Maalot with lots of quality family time and a few nice walks. Jonah really had a good time with all his cousins and Sammy didn't pinch anyone too much. He did give Aura a few kisses so that was cute.
And that was that.
Motzei Shabbat we ordered pizza and sat around on our laptops. Mom, Dad and our family were the only ones who stayed overnight. We decided it was just too late and too much of a hassle to try and get the kids home. So we stayed until Sunday morning and then headed for the train.
The train ride home was not nearly as nice or restful. It was very full and while Jonah sat watching a video, Sammy would NOT sit. He just wanted to run up and down the aisles - reminiscent of the plane ride. It was SO frustrating. And it got so crowded that we ended up sitting with a kid on each of our laps. Blah.
We got the Tel Aviv University Stop and it sounded like the guy kept saying something about going to Rosh HaAyin. So I mentioned to Shu that I wasn't sure if this was our stop and then the girl next to us said that he said we should get off here for the Rosh Haayin train. We were literally at the stop so I grabbed both kids and Shu grabbed the laptop, backpack, and suitcase. Sadly though, our CD case must have been on the floor or something because it didn't make it into any of the bags. Sad.
So we (or a Hebrew speaking person who can help us) will call the Lost and Found tomorrow and hope that someone turned it in.
Well, I'm tired so I am heading to bed. Thanks to my loyal readers! Hope you are enjoying.
And thanks to all those Facebook readers too!!
Friday was a much better day. We got Jonah off to Gan and he even agreed to stay. We re-met his new Ganenet too. I came back to the apartment afterwards and packed for Shabbat. Then I did a bit of work and I don't remember what else and it was time to get Jonah. He stayed the whole day - woohoo!!
So we picked him up and our friend Jodi actually dropped us off so I could lend her some diaper cream for her poor baby's tushy. Yay - Triple Paste!! Whoever told me about that, G-d bless you. :) It has saved many a tushy!!
We had to get to the Rosh Ha'Ayin train station which is about a 15-20 minute drive. If we had a car....we were trying to figure out the whole bus system but since we HAD to make the train because it was the last one of the day, we opted to splurge and get a taxi. It was worth the extra money to have infinitely less stress, make sure we are there on time, etc. It wasn't cheap though. I am hoping in the future to either find a ride from someone or perhaps find a college student with a car who wants to make a few extra shek....
So we took the taxi and got to the train station. It was practically deserted, I guess because it's Erev Shabbat and the last train of the day. We made sure we knew which train to catch and when it came, attempted to get on. Jonah was scared to take the big step to get on the train and while he was dilly-dallying, the doors started to close! It scared the "bejeebers" out of him. And me. And Shauli. Sammy wasn't really concerned. He was probably jealous that it closed on Jonah and not him. :) So that was fun.
We got on the train and chose seats and off we headed. We had to change trains in Tel Aviv but it wasn't a big deal and it came within 10 minutes. Then we were on our way to Nahariya. The kids LOVED it and behaved very very well. They were fascinated just looking out the window!
Sadly, we sat on the wrong side of the train so we weren't on the water/beach side. We got to Nahariya and Simmy and my father-in-law picked us up. It was about a 15 minutes drive to Maalot and then we got to see the whole gang again. Plus Mom and Dad. Woohoo!!!
Jonah immediately started playing with his cousins and a little later, Shlomo, Sarra, David, Shany, and Shilo arrived. Woohoo!!!
And then it was time for Shabbat!
We had a beautiful Shabbat in Maalot with lots of quality family time and a few nice walks. Jonah really had a good time with all his cousins and Sammy didn't pinch anyone too much. He did give Aura a few kisses so that was cute.
And that was that.
Motzei Shabbat we ordered pizza and sat around on our laptops. Mom, Dad and our family were the only ones who stayed overnight. We decided it was just too late and too much of a hassle to try and get the kids home. So we stayed until Sunday morning and then headed for the train.
The train ride home was not nearly as nice or restful. It was very full and while Jonah sat watching a video, Sammy would NOT sit. He just wanted to run up and down the aisles - reminiscent of the plane ride. It was SO frustrating. And it got so crowded that we ended up sitting with a kid on each of our laps. Blah.
We got the Tel Aviv University Stop and it sounded like the guy kept saying something about going to Rosh HaAyin. So I mentioned to Shu that I wasn't sure if this was our stop and then the girl next to us said that he said we should get off here for the Rosh Haayin train. We were literally at the stop so I grabbed both kids and Shu grabbed the laptop, backpack, and suitcase. Sadly though, our CD case must have been on the floor or something because it didn't make it into any of the bags. Sad.
So we (or a Hebrew speaking person who can help us) will call the Lost and Found tomorrow and hope that someone turned it in.
Well, I'm tired so I am heading to bed. Thanks to my loyal readers! Hope you are enjoying.
And thanks to all those Facebook readers too!!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
"So ya had a bad day......" (SUCH a good song!)
Thursday......dum da da da duuuuuuuuum!!!
Ok, so I guess everyone has to have one of these days. And when I am a "Vatika" I will be able to look back and laugh and say "Well, let me tell you what happened to ME on my 4th day in Israel". It was a rough one but I survived......
Some of you saw my Facebook status so you got the gist of it but here is the more in depth run down.
Wednesday night was another rough one. We were wide awake at about midnight to 2 or 3. Then got up at 7am to get ready and get the kids up. I had already planned for a rough morning because Shauli was leaving for Jerusalem but I was not quite prepared for what happened.
Jonah did NOT want to wake up. He kept saying he was too tired, he didn't want to go to Gan. It was getting really late and we were finally able to get him and Sammy up and dressed. They were NOT happy.
We rushed out the door at the same time as Shauli and at the top of the stairs he said, "Hey, don't you want a set of keys too?" I said, "Phew, yes, that would not be a good thing to forget." I was already halfway down the stairs so he grabbed the extra keys and we hurried downstairs. I got the kids in the stroller and then Shu's ride to J'lem showed up - looking hurried. So Shu waved a quick goodbye, jumped into the car, and drove off. As I watched the car pull away - I realized he hadn't given me the key!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I ran into the street and shouted "SHAULIIIIIIIIIIII" waving my arms but to no avail....
My heart absolutely sank. Because not only did I not have the keys but I did not have a phone (Shu had our only one), or money, or water, or anything! Just me and the kids. Gulp. And a very hot morning.
I was also running late so I started getting worried that once I make it to the Gan, no one will be left there (parentwise) so I can't even hope to run into one of my friends. I will have to ask the new Ganenet for her phone and I don't even know my phone number!! But I figured that's better than nothing. I pulled out my handy dandy map and proceeded to get lost.
We eventually made it to the Gan and luckily ran into Avi's wife who listened very patiently to me as I blurted out my sad story. She started making a bunch of phone calls and let me use her phone to call Shu (he was way out of Ariel by then). We finally located an extra set of keys at our landlord's brothers house but he wouldn't be around until after 2:30 that afternoon. I felt so bad because I knew she had a meeting that morning and I was totally keeping her. She did offer for me to come and hang out at her house but she wouldn't be around for the next couple of hours.
Then we had the second issue which was Jonah absolutely REFUSING to go to Gan. Flat out. So I took him inside and told him I would sit with him just like we did the day before. We introduced ourselves to the new/"Real" Ganenet and he completely fell apart. He started crying and crying and begging to leave and I didn't know what to do! I never see him like that - a total basket case- and I felt like I didn't know how to handle it. On top of that, I am trying to explain to him that we have nowhere to go!!
Then Avi's wife, Dana, brough Ayala in (our neighbor)and said that she had offered to help us out and we could go to her house in the morning, no problem. And seeing a familier, friendly face of someone who was going to "Rescue" us, just made me melt and then I started crying. So Jonah is crying because he doesn't want to stay and I am crying because it's been a horrible day and it wasn't even 9:00!! And people are looking at us like who are those 2 crazy kooks?
Well, at that point I really didn't know what to do so I told him if he really didn't want to stay then for today he could come home with me. Whatever home was.
So we walked home with Ayala. Her, with one less child than she came with, and me with both. Oh well. She gave us something to drink when we got there and we had some breakfast too. Then the kids played and I read books. They have a daughter Sammy's age (plus 2 older sons, one of which is Jonah's age - but he was at his Gan) and Sammy for the most part played nicely with her but he would also randomly go over and pinch her. And when I told him NOOO, we don't pinch. We make niiiice. Then he would pat her head. But he kept doing it!!
I put Sammy down for a nap at almost 12 and Ayala told me to go ahead and rest. So I fell asleep and shortly afterwards, Jonah told me he was tired. So he fell asleep on the couch too. The baby girl went to sleep and Ayala said the house was so quiet that she lay down for a rest too!! So we snoozed away for a couple hours. Then we got up and had lunch and Dana dropped off the key. We were able to get back into the apartment and then I was lucky enough to deal with 2 very bored kids at our house for the next few hours. Eventually they had dinner and finally, finally, at around 7:30 Shauli came home.
WHAT A DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It gave me a taste of how intense the culture shock can be. So on one hand it's really rough because we are total strangers and newcomers here and we have no clue whats what. On the other hand, I'm learning how nice and caring and giving people in the community are. They are phenomenal!!!
So that's neat.
Ok, I gotta go to sleep! G'NIGHT.
And does anyone out there still read this???
Ok, so I guess everyone has to have one of these days. And when I am a "Vatika" I will be able to look back and laugh and say "Well, let me tell you what happened to ME on my 4th day in Israel". It was a rough one but I survived......
Some of you saw my Facebook status so you got the gist of it but here is the more in depth run down.
Wednesday night was another rough one. We were wide awake at about midnight to 2 or 3. Then got up at 7am to get ready and get the kids up. I had already planned for a rough morning because Shauli was leaving for Jerusalem but I was not quite prepared for what happened.
Jonah did NOT want to wake up. He kept saying he was too tired, he didn't want to go to Gan. It was getting really late and we were finally able to get him and Sammy up and dressed. They were NOT happy.
We rushed out the door at the same time as Shauli and at the top of the stairs he said, "Hey, don't you want a set of keys too?" I said, "Phew, yes, that would not be a good thing to forget." I was already halfway down the stairs so he grabbed the extra keys and we hurried downstairs. I got the kids in the stroller and then Shu's ride to J'lem showed up - looking hurried. So Shu waved a quick goodbye, jumped into the car, and drove off. As I watched the car pull away - I realized he hadn't given me the key!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I ran into the street and shouted "SHAULIIIIIIIIIIII" waving my arms but to no avail....
My heart absolutely sank. Because not only did I not have the keys but I did not have a phone (Shu had our only one), or money, or water, or anything! Just me and the kids. Gulp. And a very hot morning.
I was also running late so I started getting worried that once I make it to the Gan, no one will be left there (parentwise) so I can't even hope to run into one of my friends. I will have to ask the new Ganenet for her phone and I don't even know my phone number!! But I figured that's better than nothing. I pulled out my handy dandy map and proceeded to get lost.
We eventually made it to the Gan and luckily ran into Avi's wife who listened very patiently to me as I blurted out my sad story. She started making a bunch of phone calls and let me use her phone to call Shu (he was way out of Ariel by then). We finally located an extra set of keys at our landlord's brothers house but he wouldn't be around until after 2:30 that afternoon. I felt so bad because I knew she had a meeting that morning and I was totally keeping her. She did offer for me to come and hang out at her house but she wouldn't be around for the next couple of hours.
Then we had the second issue which was Jonah absolutely REFUSING to go to Gan. Flat out. So I took him inside and told him I would sit with him just like we did the day before. We introduced ourselves to the new/"Real" Ganenet and he completely fell apart. He started crying and crying and begging to leave and I didn't know what to do! I never see him like that - a total basket case- and I felt like I didn't know how to handle it. On top of that, I am trying to explain to him that we have nowhere to go!!
Then Avi's wife, Dana, brough Ayala in (our neighbor)and said that she had offered to help us out and we could go to her house in the morning, no problem. And seeing a familier, friendly face of someone who was going to "Rescue" us, just made me melt and then I started crying. So Jonah is crying because he doesn't want to stay and I am crying because it's been a horrible day and it wasn't even 9:00!! And people are looking at us like who are those 2 crazy kooks?
Well, at that point I really didn't know what to do so I told him if he really didn't want to stay then for today he could come home with me. Whatever home was.
So we walked home with Ayala. Her, with one less child than she came with, and me with both. Oh well. She gave us something to drink when we got there and we had some breakfast too. Then the kids played and I read books. They have a daughter Sammy's age (plus 2 older sons, one of which is Jonah's age - but he was at his Gan) and Sammy for the most part played nicely with her but he would also randomly go over and pinch her. And when I told him NOOO, we don't pinch. We make niiiice. Then he would pat her head. But he kept doing it!!
I put Sammy down for a nap at almost 12 and Ayala told me to go ahead and rest. So I fell asleep and shortly afterwards, Jonah told me he was tired. So he fell asleep on the couch too. The baby girl went to sleep and Ayala said the house was so quiet that she lay down for a rest too!! So we snoozed away for a couple hours. Then we got up and had lunch and Dana dropped off the key. We were able to get back into the apartment and then I was lucky enough to deal with 2 very bored kids at our house for the next few hours. Eventually they had dinner and finally, finally, at around 7:30 Shauli came home.
WHAT A DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It gave me a taste of how intense the culture shock can be. So on one hand it's really rough because we are total strangers and newcomers here and we have no clue whats what. On the other hand, I'm learning how nice and caring and giving people in the community are. They are phenomenal!!!
So that's neat.
Ok, I gotta go to sleep! G'NIGHT.
And does anyone out there still read this???
Saturday, September 13, 2008
1st Week....
So, we managed to get through the plane ride and our Arrival. PHEW!!
We sat through the Nefesh B Nefesh ceremony where Olmert was the Big guest of honor (and was booed by a number of people). The interesting/humerous/sad/ironic? thing was there were newspapers on each seat for everyone at the ceremony. I think it was The Jerusalem Post. And the huge headline in big block letters was "Police recommend indicting PM for bribery and a host of other charges". Impressive.
So we had just left Detroit where Kwame resigned as mayor, indicted on various charges, and agreed to a plea bargain where he owes a million dollars, is going to jail for 4 months, loses his law license, etc and here we came to Israel where it seems the Prime Minister is being indicted? Ah, politicians. So anyway, I thought it was interesting that they had these newspapers on each chair and had him speaking. But apparently the JP is a sponsor so they had to have them on there.
As the ceremony ended and we were trying to figure out where to go - my Aunt Brenda showed up!! She had been looking for me the whole time and at the end just happened to be standing across the room for us and finally saw us. So that was nice that she came to see us.
All guests were asked to leave. Shu took the kids and I took the passports and went upstairs to do whatever I needed to do up there with our passports. Some government stuff. I got in the line where my name was and waited and waited and waited. It seemed like the entire room was clearing out but our line hadn't moved!!! So we waited and waited and waited some more! I noticed a computer in the back room with a sign that said "Internet". But someone was on it. For a long time - like 30 minutes. She finally finished and I went to go check it out. I changed my Facebook status so everyone would know we had landed and I sent a quick e-mail to my mom. Then time to get back in line for more waiting. Eventually the room was empty except for us so they finally started taking people from our line and helping them elsewhere. So then I got through and I can't imagine what was taking so long in the first place because when the guy helped me, it took about 10 minutes total processing. Maybe less.
I finally made it back downstairs to where I imagine Shauli was wondering what happened to me and if I had changed my mind and run home. We handed in our taxi voucher for our free ride anywhere in the country (we chose our new home, Ariel). It took awhile but eventually we got a driver and off we went.
Made it to Ariel and went out for pizza with Aviva, Sarra, and Shevy. Then back to our temporary apartment. And we all crashed. I slept for a bit and then Shu fell asleep and I took the kids for a walk because they were a little stir crazy. We walked down to a little park called Netzarim Park. That is basically an area of Ariel where a community from Netzarim in Gush Katif was sent to. I am just learning about this community but they absolutely fascinate me. I can't imagine the ordeal they have been through. But that's another blog for another time.
Apparently this little "park" was donated by either a community or an organization. But it's kind of a sad little park. It's has little stones on the ground instead of sand or grass or little smushy ground things. A little climby thing, 2 swings, and a see-saw. And SOOO many kids. We kinda stood around and Sammy tried to eat stones. There were a couple nice ladies who started talk to me, asking if we were one of the new families to Ariel and did we have dinner for that night, Shabbat plans, etc etc. She kept telling me how impressed she was with us and how brave we were, etc. All I could think is how her life must have been absolutely turned upside down and I think SHE is the brave one. We CHOSE to move to Ariel, they had to leave their homes and come here.
After a little bit, we headed back to the apartment. Shu was still sleeping so we just hung around for a while more. We sat outside and I was just happy. Exhausted but so happy to be sitting and breathing in the Israel air. Looking around at our absolutely gorgeous view. The air is just different here.....
Our new friends and adopted Ariel family brought us a yummy dinner and stayed to chat for a bit. We had SO many questions!!!
A while later another friend stopped by and we chatted with him for a little bit.
The kids basically crashed at around 7pm without dinner. And we just hoped they would be so tired, they would sleep all night.
We weren't so lucky. They woke up around 11pm and they were up, wide awake until about 2pm and I was up for another hour. Shu got to sleep but that was fine because he was exhausted and I was wide awake!!
The kids and I woke up at about 10am the next morning, Shu had been up for awhile already. I think we spent much of that day just running around getting things done with the HUGE help of Avi Zimmerman, the Ariel Aliyah Absorption Director (?) and another new friend. We opened up a bank account, got Jonah registered for school, etc. Don't remember much more about Tuesday.
We had another rough night, with us and the kids WIDE awake until late. But Jonah finally got to sleep and I woke him at 7am to see if he wanted to go to Gan. The plan was to just check it out but we went and he opted to stay there. He was there almost the whole time until the teacher (who is actually the sub once a week so the real teacher can get a day off) called to say he wanted to come home. Apparently, some boy hit him or did something to him and he wanted to fight back and the teacher made them stop fighting. SO he wanted to come home. But by the time they took the kids outside, he was fine and would have stayed the rest of the day. But that's ok. We picked him up and did some other various errand running.
Ooh, our pizza just arrived (DELIVERY!!!) so I will write more later.
Hope you're enjoying.....................
We sat through the Nefesh B Nefesh ceremony where Olmert was the Big guest of honor (and was booed by a number of people). The interesting/humerous/sad/ironic? thing was there were newspapers on each seat for everyone at the ceremony. I think it was The Jerusalem Post. And the huge headline in big block letters was "Police recommend indicting PM for bribery and a host of other charges". Impressive.
So we had just left Detroit where Kwame resigned as mayor, indicted on various charges, and agreed to a plea bargain where he owes a million dollars, is going to jail for 4 months, loses his law license, etc and here we came to Israel where it seems the Prime Minister is being indicted? Ah, politicians. So anyway, I thought it was interesting that they had these newspapers on each chair and had him speaking. But apparently the JP is a sponsor so they had to have them on there.
As the ceremony ended and we were trying to figure out where to go - my Aunt Brenda showed up!! She had been looking for me the whole time and at the end just happened to be standing across the room for us and finally saw us. So that was nice that she came to see us.
All guests were asked to leave. Shu took the kids and I took the passports and went upstairs to do whatever I needed to do up there with our passports. Some government stuff. I got in the line where my name was and waited and waited and waited. It seemed like the entire room was clearing out but our line hadn't moved!!! So we waited and waited and waited some more! I noticed a computer in the back room with a sign that said "Internet". But someone was on it. For a long time - like 30 minutes. She finally finished and I went to go check it out. I changed my Facebook status so everyone would know we had landed and I sent a quick e-mail to my mom. Then time to get back in line for more waiting. Eventually the room was empty except for us so they finally started taking people from our line and helping them elsewhere. So then I got through and I can't imagine what was taking so long in the first place because when the guy helped me, it took about 10 minutes total processing. Maybe less.
I finally made it back downstairs to where I imagine Shauli was wondering what happened to me and if I had changed my mind and run home. We handed in our taxi voucher for our free ride anywhere in the country (we chose our new home, Ariel). It took awhile but eventually we got a driver and off we went.
Made it to Ariel and went out for pizza with Aviva, Sarra, and Shevy. Then back to our temporary apartment. And we all crashed. I slept for a bit and then Shu fell asleep and I took the kids for a walk because they were a little stir crazy. We walked down to a little park called Netzarim Park. That is basically an area of Ariel where a community from Netzarim in Gush Katif was sent to. I am just learning about this community but they absolutely fascinate me. I can't imagine the ordeal they have been through. But that's another blog for another time.
Apparently this little "park" was donated by either a community or an organization. But it's kind of a sad little park. It's has little stones on the ground instead of sand or grass or little smushy ground things. A little climby thing, 2 swings, and a see-saw. And SOOO many kids. We kinda stood around and Sammy tried to eat stones. There were a couple nice ladies who started talk to me, asking if we were one of the new families to Ariel and did we have dinner for that night, Shabbat plans, etc etc. She kept telling me how impressed she was with us and how brave we were, etc. All I could think is how her life must have been absolutely turned upside down and I think SHE is the brave one. We CHOSE to move to Ariel, they had to leave their homes and come here.
After a little bit, we headed back to the apartment. Shu was still sleeping so we just hung around for a while more. We sat outside and I was just happy. Exhausted but so happy to be sitting and breathing in the Israel air. Looking around at our absolutely gorgeous view. The air is just different here.....
Our new friends and adopted Ariel family brought us a yummy dinner and stayed to chat for a bit. We had SO many questions!!!
A while later another friend stopped by and we chatted with him for a little bit.
The kids basically crashed at around 7pm without dinner. And we just hoped they would be so tired, they would sleep all night.
We weren't so lucky. They woke up around 11pm and they were up, wide awake until about 2pm and I was up for another hour. Shu got to sleep but that was fine because he was exhausted and I was wide awake!!
The kids and I woke up at about 10am the next morning, Shu had been up for awhile already. I think we spent much of that day just running around getting things done with the HUGE help of Avi Zimmerman, the Ariel Aliyah Absorption Director (?) and another new friend. We opened up a bank account, got Jonah registered for school, etc. Don't remember much more about Tuesday.
We had another rough night, with us and the kids WIDE awake until late. But Jonah finally got to sleep and I woke him at 7am to see if he wanted to go to Gan. The plan was to just check it out but we went and he opted to stay there. He was there almost the whole time until the teacher (who is actually the sub once a week so the real teacher can get a day off) called to say he wanted to come home. Apparently, some boy hit him or did something to him and he wanted to fight back and the teacher made them stop fighting. SO he wanted to come home. But by the time they took the kids outside, he was fine and would have stayed the rest of the day. But that's ok. We picked him up and did some other various errand running.
Ooh, our pizza just arrived (DELIVERY!!!) so I will write more later.
Hope you're enjoying.....................
Friday, September 12, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Our Aliyah - Day #1
Sunday, September 7th - Go to JFK. See Friedman cousins who did a wonderful job shlepping bags! What would we have done without them?? Kalman and Eli stop by to say goodbye along with Mr. and Aliza Starshefsky. Catch the end of the goodbye ceremony and eat Israeli flag cake - Jonah was excited there were blueberrys on it. Head to the terminal and board the plane. We are in row 57 ......last row of the plane. But seats recline so that's a relief. Jonah complains because he doesn't have window seat or even a window seat row. But the one across from us seems empty so he takes it. Keeps checking to see if the TV's are on yet. They were showing a little slideshow with pictures from Israel. Sammy is already being crazy and not wanting to sit still. So I chase after him for awhile. Flight was supposed to leave at 2pm. We boarded maybe 15 minutes before then. And then we sat and sat and sat. It seemed like the back section was pretty empty but at about 3pm it started filling up. Apparently "Final Boarding Call" doesn't really mean final boarding call. People are still in the aisles putting away their stuff, getting settled - and the plane starts to move. No, please be seated everyone or anything of the sort. Just starts driving.....
We sat on the runway for another half hour or so. There were lots of planes in front of us waiting in line. Jonah was getting impatient. Our seats were strange. We had 4 but the rows were 3, 3, and 3. So we had the 3 seats in the middle and one on the side (next to 2 boys). Our middle row was the last row and the single seat was the second to last row. The back 2 side rows were empty. So Jonah took over one and I sat with him. Sammy was crawling all over us trying to get to the window and stepping on Jonah so he went with Shauli to the other window seat. That's where we did take-off.
Jonah was happy once the TV's were on and he went from movies to TV shows to games. He was very independant sitting in his own little row.
Sammy on the other hand. Also somewhat independent but that meant he just wanted to run all over the plane and smile at everyone. His favorite game was running up the aisles and down the aisles. And up the aisles and down the aisles......... and falling. Again and again and again.
Both boys stayed wide awake until about the last 2 or 3 hours of the flight. Oh joy. Then Ifinally convinced Jonah to lay down across his seats. And although I tried again and again and again to get Sammy to sleep, he refused. But I handed him over to Shauli and BOOM he was out. Does Shu have the magic touch or was he just so tired that he finally fell asleep?
Then I finally went to sleep for the first time that flight. And after about a half hour, they woke me up for breakfast. Yum. That's what I want to eat at 10:30pm........
And I guess that counts for Day 1..........
STAY TUNED................................
We sat on the runway for another half hour or so. There were lots of planes in front of us waiting in line. Jonah was getting impatient. Our seats were strange. We had 4 but the rows were 3, 3, and 3. So we had the 3 seats in the middle and one on the side (next to 2 boys). Our middle row was the last row and the single seat was the second to last row. The back 2 side rows were empty. So Jonah took over one and I sat with him. Sammy was crawling all over us trying to get to the window and stepping on Jonah so he went with Shauli to the other window seat. That's where we did take-off.
Jonah was happy once the TV's were on and he went from movies to TV shows to games. He was very independant sitting in his own little row.
Sammy on the other hand. Also somewhat independent but that meant he just wanted to run all over the plane and smile at everyone. His favorite game was running up the aisles and down the aisles. And up the aisles and down the aisles......... and falling. Again and again and again.
Both boys stayed wide awake until about the last 2 or 3 hours of the flight. Oh joy. Then Ifinally convinced Jonah to lay down across his seats. And although I tried again and again and again to get Sammy to sleep, he refused. But I handed him over to Shauli and BOOM he was out. Does Shu have the magic touch or was he just so tired that he finally fell asleep?
Then I finally went to sleep for the first time that flight. And after about a half hour, they woke me up for breakfast. Yum. That's what I want to eat at 10:30pm........
And I guess that counts for Day 1..........
STAY TUNED................................
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
You Have 15 Seconds to Say a Psalm Before Kassam Explodes
'You Have 15 Seconds to Say a Psalm Before Kassam Explodes'
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
The National Council of Young Israel in the United States has announced a new project that simulates the pressures facing Sderot residents after a Code Red warning gives them 15 seconds to run for cover from an incoming Kassam rocket fired by Arab terrorists.
Project SMS (Solidarity Messages for Sderot) sends a text message to subscribers after the early warning system sounds in Sderot. The message reads. "A Kassam has been launched at Sderot. You have 15 seconds" to recite Psalm Chapter 130, give charity, call the United Nations, the White House, Senators and Congressmen or pause for a moment and pray for the people of Sderot.
Sderot has been under siege for more than seven years since the Oslo War broke out in September, 2000. The Committee for a Secure Sderot reports that Arab terrorists have attacked the city with 6,913 rockets. The government promised that the siege would end after carrying out the expulsion program that included the forced removal of Jews from the Gaza region and the withdrawal of all IDF personnel.
Shaul Mofaz, who was Defense Minister at the time, vowed that Israel would respond quickly "if even one rocket is fired" on Sderot. Since then, the Olmert administration has agreed to a number of ceasefires, but each one was quickly broken. More than half a dozen rockets have hit the western Negev since the latest truce began less than two weeks ago.
Young Israel executive vice president Rabbi Pesach Lerner told its members the group wants them to experience the sense of urgency Sderot residents face when the warning siren is sounded.
"The people of Sderot have been forced to live in a time warp of 15 seconds for the last seven years," he stated. "When a rocket is fired at Sderot and the alarm is sounded, they have fifteen seconds to run for cover, find their children, gather the sleeping family from the top floor to the basement and wonder if today is the last day of their life."
Young Israel President Shlomo Z. Mostofsky added, "While the citizens of Sderot use those 15 seconds to try and avoid the deadly rockets and the ensuing damage, we need to use those 15 seconds to undertake a meaningful action, such as saying a prayer or giving charity on their behalf."
Click here to sign up: Project SMS
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
The National Council of Young Israel in the United States has announced a new project that simulates the pressures facing Sderot residents after a Code Red warning gives them 15 seconds to run for cover from an incoming Kassam rocket fired by Arab terrorists.
Project SMS (Solidarity Messages for Sderot) sends a text message to subscribers after the early warning system sounds in Sderot. The message reads. "A Kassam has been launched at Sderot. You have 15 seconds" to recite Psalm Chapter 130, give charity, call the United Nations, the White House, Senators and Congressmen or pause for a moment and pray for the people of Sderot.
Sderot has been under siege for more than seven years since the Oslo War broke out in September, 2000. The Committee for a Secure Sderot reports that Arab terrorists have attacked the city with 6,913 rockets. The government promised that the siege would end after carrying out the expulsion program that included the forced removal of Jews from the Gaza region and the withdrawal of all IDF personnel.
Shaul Mofaz, who was Defense Minister at the time, vowed that Israel would respond quickly "if even one rocket is fired" on Sderot. Since then, the Olmert administration has agreed to a number of ceasefires, but each one was quickly broken. More than half a dozen rockets have hit the western Negev since the latest truce began less than two weeks ago.
Young Israel executive vice president Rabbi Pesach Lerner told its members the group wants them to experience the sense of urgency Sderot residents face when the warning siren is sounded.
"The people of Sderot have been forced to live in a time warp of 15 seconds for the last seven years," he stated. "When a rocket is fired at Sderot and the alarm is sounded, they have fifteen seconds to run for cover, find their children, gather the sleeping family from the top floor to the basement and wonder if today is the last day of their life."
Young Israel President Shlomo Z. Mostofsky added, "While the citizens of Sderot use those 15 seconds to try and avoid the deadly rockets and the ensuing damage, we need to use those 15 seconds to undertake a meaningful action, such as saying a prayer or giving charity on their behalf."
Click here to sign up: Project SMS
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Coming Home
Kollel Torah Mitzion had a party last night for those families making Aliyah from the community this year. And there are actually quite a few!!
They asked me to speak so I quickly wrote down a few words. I promised to post it on my Blog for everyone else to read. SO...enjoy.
The first time I went to Israel, I was 17 years old - and it was probably the most difficult time in my life. My father had passed away a few months before my trip and it was a trip we were supposed to take together - if he got well.
After my father died, I felt an emptiness inside me that I was worried would never be filled. Could never be filled. And that summer, the uncertainty of where my life would lead - was like none I had ever experienced. My parents were divorced, I had lived with my dad, I had started that year at a high school out of town, and wasn't sure if I was homeless....or had many homes.
But I'll never forget when we landed. I'll never forget my first breath of Israeli air. Climbing down the steps from the airplane, seeing the palm trees in the distance, and feeling the blast of hot air. Beautiful, sweet air. Tears were streaming down my face as I knelt and kissed the ground. I had finally come home......
The next few years I seemed to spend back and forth between Israel and the States and everytime I had to leave Israel - I always promised myself, I was coming back. Next time, perhaps for good.
When I was in Israel, I felt complete. Almost. The emptiness was filled. Somewhat. And I always told people that in Israel, I felt almost complete. I was just missing my husband.
I returned to the States after a very fulfilling year at Ben Gurion University where I also had volunteered for the Israeli army and found my potential career path with Magen David Adom. I returned to the States to get certified as an EMT and started dating, got engaged, and married to Shauli. But on one condition - we would make Aliyah.
We made a five year plan which at one point almost disappeared.
People have been telling me for the 11 years that I've had this dream that if I keep pushing it off, it won't happen. They'd tell me their stories, they'd compare themselves to me and say then they got married, had kids, and here they are - 20 years later. And still in America.
But I always said - it won't happen to me. I WILL make Aliyah.
But I can't take credit here. Everything is truly in G-d's hands. Who would have though that the summer Shu and I got married, his siblings Simmy and Golda would make Aliyah. And in the next few years, David, Sarra, and Arye and Aviva would follow!! That's incredible! We now have 4 of our 6 siblings living in Israel, plus one going to seminary there next year. Not to mention 9 nieces and nephews. And they've all moved in the past 5 years.....
This was out of my hands. This was Hashem's plan.
As for our five year plan, Shauli and I will be celebrating our 5 year anniversary in a week and a half.
And IYH, we'll be moving to Israel shortly after.
My dream will come true and I, or we, will finally be complete.
They asked me to speak so I quickly wrote down a few words. I promised to post it on my Blog for everyone else to read. SO...enjoy.
The first time I went to Israel, I was 17 years old - and it was probably the most difficult time in my life. My father had passed away a few months before my trip and it was a trip we were supposed to take together - if he got well.
After my father died, I felt an emptiness inside me that I was worried would never be filled. Could never be filled. And that summer, the uncertainty of where my life would lead - was like none I had ever experienced. My parents were divorced, I had lived with my dad, I had started that year at a high school out of town, and wasn't sure if I was homeless....or had many homes.
But I'll never forget when we landed. I'll never forget my first breath of Israeli air. Climbing down the steps from the airplane, seeing the palm trees in the distance, and feeling the blast of hot air. Beautiful, sweet air. Tears were streaming down my face as I knelt and kissed the ground. I had finally come home......
The next few years I seemed to spend back and forth between Israel and the States and everytime I had to leave Israel - I always promised myself, I was coming back. Next time, perhaps for good.
When I was in Israel, I felt complete. Almost. The emptiness was filled. Somewhat. And I always told people that in Israel, I felt almost complete. I was just missing my husband.
I returned to the States after a very fulfilling year at Ben Gurion University where I also had volunteered for the Israeli army and found my potential career path with Magen David Adom. I returned to the States to get certified as an EMT and started dating, got engaged, and married to Shauli. But on one condition - we would make Aliyah.
We made a five year plan which at one point almost disappeared.
People have been telling me for the 11 years that I've had this dream that if I keep pushing it off, it won't happen. They'd tell me their stories, they'd compare themselves to me and say then they got married, had kids, and here they are - 20 years later. And still in America.
But I always said - it won't happen to me. I WILL make Aliyah.
But I can't take credit here. Everything is truly in G-d's hands. Who would have though that the summer Shu and I got married, his siblings Simmy and Golda would make Aliyah. And in the next few years, David, Sarra, and Arye and Aviva would follow!! That's incredible! We now have 4 of our 6 siblings living in Israel, plus one going to seminary there next year. Not to mention 9 nieces and nephews. And they've all moved in the past 5 years.....
This was out of my hands. This was Hashem's plan.
As for our five year plan, Shauli and I will be celebrating our 5 year anniversary in a week and a half.
And IYH, we'll be moving to Israel shortly after.
My dream will come true and I, or we, will finally be complete.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Rental Cars
So, what do you think of my new blog look?
We probably need to rent a car when we go to St. Louis in a couple weeks for about a week or so and since we really have NO extra money to spare - I was just wondering if anyone knew of good deals on rental cars.
Do you have a favorite company?
Coupon code?
Let me know.
Thanks!
We probably need to rent a car when we go to St. Louis in a couple weeks for about a week or so and since we really have NO extra money to spare - I was just wondering if anyone knew of good deals on rental cars.
Do you have a favorite company?
Coupon code?
Let me know.
Thanks!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Touring Israel
2 blogs in one day??? What??? This is unheard of!!
Don't get too used to it.....
I'm helping my friend plan her trip (with her husband) to Israel (I wish I were a tour guide!) and am wondering if anyone has any suggestions of a tour guide for random places like Tsfat, Har Arbel, and Masada. How much do they generally charge?
And what are your suggestions of Must See places?
She really wants to go on the Tunnel Tours and the Water Tunnel Tours (do you know what that is) but is having trouble finding out how to schedule them or who to talk to.
Also, if they were to stay in Jerusalem for Shabbas but don't know anyone - where should they stay? Are there any good youth hostels? Do the Machlis Family still have open meals?
Does anyone have a suggestions of a good tour guide book or website?
That's all for now. More to come!
Thanks for your help - in advance.
Don't get too used to it.....
I'm helping my friend plan her trip (with her husband) to Israel (I wish I were a tour guide!) and am wondering if anyone has any suggestions of a tour guide for random places like Tsfat, Har Arbel, and Masada. How much do they generally charge?
And what are your suggestions of Must See places?
She really wants to go on the Tunnel Tours and the Water Tunnel Tours (do you know what that is) but is having trouble finding out how to schedule them or who to talk to.
Also, if they were to stay in Jerusalem for Shabbas but don't know anyone - where should they stay? Are there any good youth hostels? Do the Machlis Family still have open meals?
Does anyone have a suggestions of a good tour guide book or website?
That's all for now. More to come!
Thanks for your help - in advance.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Quotable Quotes
We were driving to Kensington Metropark yesterday, enjoying the beautiful weather and as we were driving on the highway, we drove past a convertible.
Jonah looked at it and said in a shocked voice, "Hey! Where's the roof"?
Jonah looked at it and said in a shocked voice, "Hey! Where's the roof"?
Friday, May 23, 2008
Stand Your Ground
I know you were not happy with my last post so here's a better one.
About a month or so ago, I was at K-mart and saw they had some kid's bike helmets in the Clearance section. They were just a few dollars and were real cute. But I restrained myself and didn't buy one because even though they were a great price - Jonah didn't have a bike.... aren't you proud of me?
Last weekend was the Huntington Woods City Wide Garage Sale and I made it for the last 20 minutes on Friday (and of course some time on Sunday but most of the good stuff was gone by then). The 3rd and last garage sale I stopped at had a little boys bike for sale. It was in good condtion, had training wheels on it and looked the right size for Jonah. $10!!! Definitely the right price. So I ran home and got Jonah (and his friend) and we went back to try it out. They both approved it and it came home with us. Jonah has not wanted to get of it since we bought it!! And he's doing very well with riding it!!! But then he needed a helmet.
I didn't think K-mart would have them anymore but when we were driving by Kmart on Sunday, I asked Shu if he wanted to stop in and check if they still had them. We went to the back of the store and there they were!! Not only that but they had dinosaurs on them. Jonah was so excited! I was so excited!! He thought it was silly that they had cavemen on them also because everyone knows dinosaurs were around long before people....
They had some other helmets and I checked if there was one or my niece because I knew she needed one. They had some for bigger kids but they were like $16.00. I checked the other 2 Toddler helmets and they were marked $4.00 also so I figured it couldn't be a mistake. THey must be cheap cuz they are smaller. That was the retail person in me. Checking to see if the cheap price was a mismark!
We went up to the front to pay and the lady rang up our other two items and then the helmet. It came out to $10 too much. I asked her what she charged us or everything and she said $15.99 for the helmet. I showed her the sticker and she took it and walked away. She went over to Customer Service and then came back. Then another woman came over and said no, that's not the right price. I said, well that's what it is marked. And she said I'm sorry it's incorrect. I told her there were a few more back there with the same price and that's not my fault. So the second lady went back to check it out. I should have gone with her......
She came back and said no, she didn't see any others marked that back there. I told her I was pretty sure there were at least 2 more back there and I was almost positive they had a $4.00 sticker on them. She said no, too bad. Do you want it or not? I said no way. Not if they aren't going to honor the marked price.
I was annoyed about the situation but even more annoyed about the attitude! They gave such attitude and were SOOO obnoxious!! That made me even madder than everything else. Also, I am used to working at Kohl's where customers come first and we basically do whatever they want. :) But we keep them happy.
We walked out to the car and my blood was really boiling. I was pretty sure I had seen other helmets with the same price and really felt the woman was lying to me. I canNOT stand when people lie to me and I canNOT stand when people give me attitude when it is uncalled for. But I wasn't sure what to do about it. Well, first step is I wanted to go in and check the helmets. I asked Shu if he minded and ended up sending him home with the kids because who knows how long it would take.
I went back inside and back to the helmets. I saw one hanging there which had a sticker scratched off it. How conveniant..... I was annoyed because I KNEW she had taken the sticker off. I would have remembered if there was one without a sticker on it. Oooooooooh, I was so mad. But what was I going to do? Well, I was pretty sure there was another one so I started looking for it. And G-d must have been on my side because there was one all the way in the back. And lo and behold, it had a $4.oo sticker on it. Oooooooooooh I was mad. Who is she trying to mess with???? The Customer Service Queen???
So I marched back to the customer service desk and waited....and waited.....and waited..... finally it was my turn and I explained very calmly the situation. I said I was here earlier and tried to buy a bicycle helmet that was marked $4.00 but rang up full price at $15.99. I said I would understand if it had been one helmet but I knew there were others back there with the same sticker. I said a woman went back to go check and it and maybe I should have gone with her but when she came back she said she didn't see any others marked that back there. I said we left but I was pretty sure I had seen others so I came back to check it out. I said I went back there myself and there was one with a tag scratched off which I know was not there before and there was one in the back with a $4.00 sticker. So it was their mistake and they need to honor the marked price. I threw in the lingo of the "Michigan Scan Law" and whether they knew what it was or not, I don't know. But technically it would not have applied here. They prob didn't know that.
She called over the original person who went to check on the helmet and asked what she did with the helmet. It was still in the basket up front. So she hadn't removed the sticker and put it back. I gave her the evil eye big time like I knew what she did and I knew she was a BIG FAT lier and I caught her in a lie and she was NOT going to get away with it!!!
The person helping me said they had asked the manager who said they could give me 10 or 15% off the original price. Um, no not gonna cut it. So I asked to speak to a manager. The cust service person called someone over and explained the situation and she basically repeated what the store manager had supposedly said. I asked if she was a manager, she said yes. I asked if she was the store manager, she said no. So I asked to speak to the store manager...... they paged her and paged her and paged her again. No answer. I don't know if she was really in the store or not but I think once they saw I wasn't leaving, the cust svc person said she would give it to me for $4.00
WOOOHOOO!!!! VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
At the end it wasn't even the money that I cared about so much. I was so angry that that lady had tried to trick me. Liar liar, pants on fire! And I couldn't stand their attitude either.
So I won!!
That teaches you - stand your ground when you are right and ALWAYS ask for a manager!!!!
As a funny side note, after I came home Shu reminded me to get the bag of our other things from the car before I left that night for basketball. When I got in the car, I looked for them and there was nothing there. I came inside and checked and nothing. I realized we must have left it at the store and I was pretty sure I had left it in the cart. So I had to go back to the same cust service person and ask if someone had returned our bag.....
Luckily - they did!!! I joked with the lady saying something how wouldn't that show me for causing trouble! :)
Better post? It was a long one!
About a month or so ago, I was at K-mart and saw they had some kid's bike helmets in the Clearance section. They were just a few dollars and were real cute. But I restrained myself and didn't buy one because even though they were a great price - Jonah didn't have a bike.... aren't you proud of me?
Last weekend was the Huntington Woods City Wide Garage Sale and I made it for the last 20 minutes on Friday (and of course some time on Sunday but most of the good stuff was gone by then). The 3rd and last garage sale I stopped at had a little boys bike for sale. It was in good condtion, had training wheels on it and looked the right size for Jonah. $10!!! Definitely the right price. So I ran home and got Jonah (and his friend) and we went back to try it out. They both approved it and it came home with us. Jonah has not wanted to get of it since we bought it!! And he's doing very well with riding it!!! But then he needed a helmet.
I didn't think K-mart would have them anymore but when we were driving by Kmart on Sunday, I asked Shu if he wanted to stop in and check if they still had them. We went to the back of the store and there they were!! Not only that but they had dinosaurs on them. Jonah was so excited! I was so excited!! He thought it was silly that they had cavemen on them also because everyone knows dinosaurs were around long before people....
They had some other helmets and I checked if there was one or my niece because I knew she needed one. They had some for bigger kids but they were like $16.00. I checked the other 2 Toddler helmets and they were marked $4.00 also so I figured it couldn't be a mistake. THey must be cheap cuz they are smaller. That was the retail person in me. Checking to see if the cheap price was a mismark!
We went up to the front to pay and the lady rang up our other two items and then the helmet. It came out to $10 too much. I asked her what she charged us or everything and she said $15.99 for the helmet. I showed her the sticker and she took it and walked away. She went over to Customer Service and then came back. Then another woman came over and said no, that's not the right price. I said, well that's what it is marked. And she said I'm sorry it's incorrect. I told her there were a few more back there with the same price and that's not my fault. So the second lady went back to check it out. I should have gone with her......
She came back and said no, she didn't see any others marked that back there. I told her I was pretty sure there were at least 2 more back there and I was almost positive they had a $4.00 sticker on them. She said no, too bad. Do you want it or not? I said no way. Not if they aren't going to honor the marked price.
I was annoyed about the situation but even more annoyed about the attitude! They gave such attitude and were SOOO obnoxious!! That made me even madder than everything else. Also, I am used to working at Kohl's where customers come first and we basically do whatever they want. :) But we keep them happy.
We walked out to the car and my blood was really boiling. I was pretty sure I had seen other helmets with the same price and really felt the woman was lying to me. I canNOT stand when people lie to me and I canNOT stand when people give me attitude when it is uncalled for. But I wasn't sure what to do about it. Well, first step is I wanted to go in and check the helmets. I asked Shu if he minded and ended up sending him home with the kids because who knows how long it would take.
I went back inside and back to the helmets. I saw one hanging there which had a sticker scratched off it. How conveniant..... I was annoyed because I KNEW she had taken the sticker off. I would have remembered if there was one without a sticker on it. Oooooooooh, I was so mad. But what was I going to do? Well, I was pretty sure there was another one so I started looking for it. And G-d must have been on my side because there was one all the way in the back. And lo and behold, it had a $4.oo sticker on it. Oooooooooooh I was mad. Who is she trying to mess with???? The Customer Service Queen???
So I marched back to the customer service desk and waited....and waited.....and waited..... finally it was my turn and I explained very calmly the situation. I said I was here earlier and tried to buy a bicycle helmet that was marked $4.00 but rang up full price at $15.99. I said I would understand if it had been one helmet but I knew there were others back there with the same sticker. I said a woman went back to go check and it and maybe I should have gone with her but when she came back she said she didn't see any others marked that back there. I said we left but I was pretty sure I had seen others so I came back to check it out. I said I went back there myself and there was one with a tag scratched off which I know was not there before and there was one in the back with a $4.00 sticker. So it was their mistake and they need to honor the marked price. I threw in the lingo of the "Michigan Scan Law" and whether they knew what it was or not, I don't know. But technically it would not have applied here. They prob didn't know that.
She called over the original person who went to check on the helmet and asked what she did with the helmet. It was still in the basket up front. So she hadn't removed the sticker and put it back. I gave her the evil eye big time like I knew what she did and I knew she was a BIG FAT lier and I caught her in a lie and she was NOT going to get away with it!!!
The person helping me said they had asked the manager who said they could give me 10 or 15% off the original price. Um, no not gonna cut it. So I asked to speak to a manager. The cust service person called someone over and explained the situation and she basically repeated what the store manager had supposedly said. I asked if she was a manager, she said yes. I asked if she was the store manager, she said no. So I asked to speak to the store manager...... they paged her and paged her and paged her again. No answer. I don't know if she was really in the store or not but I think once they saw I wasn't leaving, the cust svc person said she would give it to me for $4.00
WOOOHOOO!!!! VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
At the end it wasn't even the money that I cared about so much. I was so angry that that lady had tried to trick me. Liar liar, pants on fire! And I couldn't stand their attitude either.
So I won!!
That teaches you - stand your ground when you are right and ALWAYS ask for a manager!!!!
As a funny side note, after I came home Shu reminded me to get the bag of our other things from the car before I left that night for basketball. When I got in the car, I looked for them and there was nothing there. I came inside and checked and nothing. I realized we must have left it at the store and I was pretty sure I had left it in the cart. So I had to go back to the same cust service person and ask if someone had returned our bag.....
Luckily - they did!!! I joked with the lady saying something how wouldn't that show me for causing trouble! :)
Better post? It was a long one!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
For Sale by A Friend
I'm posting this for a friend of mine. Let me know if you are interested and I will send you her contact info. Or send her your contact info. :)
For Sale
What: Gift certificate valued at $150
Where: Truth Spa in West Bloomfield
How Much: Asking $125
The Catch: There really is none! :) The gift certificate expires May 19, but I just called and they said they would extend it. I don't have that in writing, but I expect they will be flexible. Spas are really just not my thing.....
Let me know if you are interested.
For Sale
What: Gift certificate valued at $150
Where: Truth Spa in West Bloomfield
How Much: Asking $125
The Catch: There really is none! :) The gift certificate expires May 19, but I just called and they said they would extend it. I don't have that in writing, but I expect they will be flexible. Spas are really just not my thing.....
Let me know if you are interested.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Great Deal!!!
Kudos to Lisa for telling me about this deal and splitting a case with me!
If anyone likes Don Pepino Sauce, you can order it from their website for less than $1.00 a can!!No tax and no shipping.
(I think they charge shipping if you are west of the Mississppi or something)
In our kosher store, they sell it for $1.89!!!! So there is a considerable difference.
You do have to order a case of 24 cans at a time but if you get a friend or 2 to split it, it's worth it. I know we use it to make pizza about once a week so 12 cans will last 3 months. And it's only $12!!!
So you should check it out: http://www.donpepino.com/
Happy Pizza Eating!
If anyone likes Don Pepino Sauce, you can order it from their website for less than $1.00 a can!!No tax and no shipping.
(I think they charge shipping if you are west of the Mississppi or something)
In our kosher store, they sell it for $1.89!!!! So there is a considerable difference.
You do have to order a case of 24 cans at a time but if you get a friend or 2 to split it, it's worth it. I know we use it to make pizza about once a week so 12 cans will last 3 months. And it's only $12!!!
So you should check it out: http://www.donpepino.com/
Happy Pizza Eating!
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Answer?
I was getting ready to serve dinner last night and Jonah came into the kitchen to ask for a cup of milk (he had eaten dinner earlier and was getting ready for bed). He told me he knows he can't drink it at the table. He said he knows milk is dairy and we can't have it with meat. I said he was right because it wouldn't be kosher. Then he asked why? And I said because Hashem said we have to eat kosher. He said why? I said because we are Jews and Hashem wants us to. Hashem said we should not eat milk and meat together so we don't.
I could tell he was really thinking about something and trying to process the information and something wasn't sitting well with him.
Then he stumped me....... he said, "But Mommy, what will happen?"
And I didn't know what to say. My immediate thought was, "Nothing." There is not going to be a lightning bolt coming down from heaven. He's not going to get sick from it. And he won't understand the reward of Olam Haba yet.
I told him to go ask his father. And I felt really bad about that. I felt like I should have an answer for him. But I was just totally thrown off. I didn't expect my 3 1/2 year old to be asking what will happen if he doesn't keep kosher?!
Jonah is smart and he has a good memory and he's not going to forget it. So I want to bring it up again and give him an answer.
From a Chinuch perspective - what do I tell him? How do I explain it to him on his level? Is there a way? What should I say?
I could tell he was really thinking about something and trying to process the information and something wasn't sitting well with him.
Then he stumped me....... he said, "But Mommy, what will happen?"
And I didn't know what to say. My immediate thought was, "Nothing." There is not going to be a lightning bolt coming down from heaven. He's not going to get sick from it. And he won't understand the reward of Olam Haba yet.
I told him to go ask his father. And I felt really bad about that. I felt like I should have an answer for him. But I was just totally thrown off. I didn't expect my 3 1/2 year old to be asking what will happen if he doesn't keep kosher?!
Jonah is smart and he has a good memory and he's not going to forget it. So I want to bring it up again and give him an answer.
From a Chinuch perspective - what do I tell him? How do I explain it to him on his level? Is there a way? What should I say?
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sleep....or lack thereof
Last night, we were up from 1:45am - 4:30am.
Two nights ago, we were up countless times. Honestly. Can't even count them.
Nope, I'm not pregnant. Nope, we aren't the parents of a newborn. And nope, it wasn't 10 month old Sammy waking us up.
It was 3 1/2 year old Jonah. I do NOT know what to do with him!!!!! He has never been a good sleeper. But it hasn't been this bad in a looooong time. This is out of control.
Bedtime is a ridiculously long process as it is. Shu and I both read books to him and then he stalls and stalls and wants this and that. And tells us he's not sleepy or tired. And the newest one is that he doesn't want to go to sleep because he is going to have bad dreams. Nothing we say can convince him otherwise.
Eventually, he gets to sleep and we have peace and quiet for a few hours. The fun begins around 1am or so.
Jonah wakes up crying for Mommy and/or Daddy. He tells us he had a bad dream. He dreamt about bad guys. He wants to come in our room and sleep in our bed. When we say no to that, he wants someone in the room with him. Apparently, Sammy isn't good enough. He wants a grownup in the room with him. But last night no matter what we did, he wouldn't fall back asleep. And if he did fall asleep, he would wake up as soon as we got up to leave the room or within 5 minutes of that. It was ridiculous!!!!
And I don't know what to do............
No matter what we do, it doesn't seem to work. Except for him sleeping in our room. But that's where we got into trouble in the first place. He's too smart for the usual tricks. Or some things will appear to work during the day - like discussions and bribes... I mean incentives. But at night, he just doesn't care. He's scared and that's it.
Sammy, thank G-d is a great sleeper. He goes to sleep at night after crying for a little bit (sometimes) and he sleeps through the night. Unless Jonah wakes him up. And then I get really mad.
We need help!!!!!!!
PLEASE if you have any suggestions or have been through this - let us know!!!!!!
I just want a little peace and quiet at night...........
Two nights ago, we were up countless times. Honestly. Can't even count them.
Nope, I'm not pregnant. Nope, we aren't the parents of a newborn. And nope, it wasn't 10 month old Sammy waking us up.
It was 3 1/2 year old Jonah. I do NOT know what to do with him!!!!! He has never been a good sleeper. But it hasn't been this bad in a looooong time. This is out of control.
Bedtime is a ridiculously long process as it is. Shu and I both read books to him and then he stalls and stalls and wants this and that. And tells us he's not sleepy or tired. And the newest one is that he doesn't want to go to sleep because he is going to have bad dreams. Nothing we say can convince him otherwise.
Eventually, he gets to sleep and we have peace and quiet for a few hours. The fun begins around 1am or so.
Jonah wakes up crying for Mommy and/or Daddy. He tells us he had a bad dream. He dreamt about bad guys. He wants to come in our room and sleep in our bed. When we say no to that, he wants someone in the room with him. Apparently, Sammy isn't good enough. He wants a grownup in the room with him. But last night no matter what we did, he wouldn't fall back asleep. And if he did fall asleep, he would wake up as soon as we got up to leave the room or within 5 minutes of that. It was ridiculous!!!!
And I don't know what to do............
No matter what we do, it doesn't seem to work. Except for him sleeping in our room. But that's where we got into trouble in the first place. He's too smart for the usual tricks. Or some things will appear to work during the day - like discussions and bribes... I mean incentives. But at night, he just doesn't care. He's scared and that's it.
Sammy, thank G-d is a great sleeper. He goes to sleep at night after crying for a little bit (sometimes) and he sleeps through the night. Unless Jonah wakes him up. And then I get really mad.
We need help!!!!!!!
PLEASE if you have any suggestions or have been through this - let us know!!!!!!
I just want a little peace and quiet at night...........
Friday, February 22, 2008
11 years........
Tonight and tomorrow are my dad's yarzeit. It has been 11 years. Hard to believe. 11 years.
Apparently, I've had this blog for quite some time now because I have blogged on my dad's yarzeit for the past 2 years. It must be therapeutic for me.
Last year I wrote about The News. The day my dad told us that he wasn't going to survive. That the treatments weren't working and the cancer spread. And that's it.
That was an agonizing day. Oh G-d, it hurts to think about it. I still can't comprehend how a parent can tell a child they are going to die. He was so strong......
I was looking through some boxes and found my diary from that year. And so I think I am going to write about the day my dad died. And the weekend leading up to it.
WARNING: It's a sad one. I'm going to basically just write from my diary........ adding a few things here and there. Maybe I'll put the exact words in quotes or something. This was written about a month and a half after he died. I don't expect anyone to read the whole thing. And I apologize to everyone that I am not writing anything original this year.
I don't know why I am not. But I found this a week or so ago and just thought I wanted to post it.
We really knew we were getting to the end. We knew almost down to the week. The last week was so hard. He was in so much pain and seemed to get worse everyday. At this point we had him in a hospital bed in our living room with hospice and a nurse's aid coming. We took care of him most of the time.
"Friday he was very out of it but better than Thursday. His breathing was so bad. It could drive a person crazy just sitting next to him. At some point on Friday evening, I went to the Winter's (our Rabbi). They had invited me for dinner but I wasn't comfortable with leaving Pa (short for Papa, that's what we called my Dad) for so long. So I went to let them know and came back with chicken, chicken soup, kugel, etc. It was so nice of them. And for the first time in a long time, we had a hot Shabbas meal. After dinner, Adrian went out. Grandma, Mom, and I all sat with Pa. He seemed to be doing worse all of a sudden. We just sat around with him. We were crying and holding his hand. I think we all thought he wouldn't make it. I was just hoping Adrian would come home. We were telling Pa it's ok to go. We'll be all right. Finally, Adrian came home. I was holding Pa's hand and squeezing it and stroking it. I was waiting for a response of any kind. Finally, Pa squeezed my hand. It must have taken so much strength. But it felt so good to me.
Adrian and Mom went to sleep because he seemed stable. Grandma was going to sleep on the couch in the living room. She was lying down and I was sitting with Pa. I couldn't leave. Grandma fell asleep and told me to wake her if I go upstairs. He would occasionally open his eyes and I would talk to him and he understood - or seemed to. One time he woke up and was looking at me. He seemed so scared. So scared. I looked him in the eyes and said something like, "Pa, I love you so much but it's ok to go. I will be ok. I will miss you so much but it's ok." He got tears in his eyes and I told him that I knew he was in so much pain. But he is going to a much better place. He is going straight to Shamayim. Heaven. Gan Eden. I told him it will be wonderful there. He is such a Tzadik. I learnt so much from him. I told him he would be up there with Avraham and Moshe Rabeinu. He would be by Sara Emainu and Adam and Chava. He gave me a half smile, like one side of his mouth. It made me so happy. I kept telling him stuff and some of the fear left his eyes. It meant so much to me....
I don't remember much about Shabbas. I don't think that too much happened. Pa slept and we just stayed with him. Around Seudah Shlishi time, I got a bencher and just sat next to him and sang songs. Song after song after song. He loved music so much and used to love to sing. I wanted to make this time enjoyable for him. And music was a way I really felt connected to Hashem.
Saturday night I was home a bit but then I needed to get out. So I made plans to go to "Empire Strikes Back" with Edan and Eli S. A bunch of people came over Saturday night and kind of made a kumsitz for Pa. They sang Nigunim from Twersky and others. I think Pa enjoyed it. Although he couldn't talk, he made that moaning sound when he tried to communicate. So when they were singing, it was like he did it extra loud. Like he was singing along. It was nice.
At about 11:30, I was going to leave. I came downstairs and everyone was still there. It kind of annoyed me because I wanted to say bye and talk to Pa in private but whatever. So I went over to his bed. I gave him a hug and told him I was going out to a movie with friends. I said I would be home and see him later. I gave him a kiss and said "I love you".
Those are the last words I said to my father.......
I came back late that night and went into the kitchen. I had something to eat and listened to my father. Before I went upstairs, I was drawn towards the doorway of the living room. I wanted to go in and give my father a kiss but I didn't want to disturb Grandma who was sleeping on the couch. So I just stood there in the doorway. I wonder if Pa was awake and knew I was there.
Then I went upstairs to go to sleep. Pa was breathing and moaning so loud I could hear him all the way in my room. It kept me up for awhile but finally I fell asleep.
The next morning (Mom told me) she went downstairs to do laundry. She went in to check on Pa and he didn't seem like he was doing well. Mom felt his pulse and it was weak. He gazed into her eyes and she saw a tear in his eyes. Then he stopped breathing.
Mom called Grandma into the room and they were both with him until his pulse stopped a few moments later.
Mom ran upstairs into my room and tried to wake me up. Lazy me didn't want to get out of bed until Mom said, "Nattie, it's Pa. He's dying." I sat bolt upright in bed and said "What? What are you saying? What are you talking about?" I vaguely remember jumping out of bed and leaping across the room in one step. I don't remember walking down the stairs. I remember floating. I ran into the living room and Grandma was by his bed trying to close his eyes and mouth. She kept saying they won't close. They won't stay shut. As soon as I entered the room, I felt a peace settle on me. I wasn't crying or anything. I walked over to the other side of the bed and took Pa's hand. I kissed his head and started saying Tehillim, Kuf Lamed. "Shir Hamaalot, Mimaakim Karaticha Adoshem......"
Then I started crying. Mom and Adrian came downstairs and Mom stood next to me. Adrian stood at the foot of the bed. I just kept saying, "I love you" and kissing his hand and face. I think it hit me then because I fell to the floor crying and almost shrieking. Mom was saying Shema. It was about 9:30am. I don't know how long we stood there with him. There was a time when I was alone with him. I knew I was supposed to cover his face. But I couldn't. I knew it was the last I would see of him. So slowly I inched the blanket up to his face. Finally, I covered it.
Goodbye............
There is plenty more in my diary about that day. Details and details and how things played out. And plenty about the funeral too.
But I decided to stop here.
There isn't much to say. No, the pain isn't there the way it used to be. Maybe that's why I typed this. I felt like I needed to relive some of the pain. Some of the hell. Because I don't feel it every day anymore. Which is good. But when I do think of it.....I just miss him. I miss him so badly. And I wish he could be here with his grandchildren. Jonah and Sammy. And now new baby Iluma. (my niece)
It's not fair.......
So that's the story. I don't have plans for tomorrow. I am not doing anything special. Just the usual. I feel bad about that.
But if you are still reading this I want to make a request.......
Will you do something today for my Dad? Will you do something "Lilui Neshama" To raise up his Neshama? Please do a mitzvah - or have a L'Chaim - say a Bracha. And say that it is L'ilui Neshama Dovid ben Avraham (or if it's supposed to be the mother's name then it's Dovid ben Malka". If you have a chance to let me know you did something, that would be nice. But you don't have to.
Thank you.... and may we only know and celebrate good things!
Apparently, I've had this blog for quite some time now because I have blogged on my dad's yarzeit for the past 2 years. It must be therapeutic for me.
Last year I wrote about The News. The day my dad told us that he wasn't going to survive. That the treatments weren't working and the cancer spread. And that's it.
That was an agonizing day. Oh G-d, it hurts to think about it. I still can't comprehend how a parent can tell a child they are going to die. He was so strong......
I was looking through some boxes and found my diary from that year. And so I think I am going to write about the day my dad died. And the weekend leading up to it.
WARNING: It's a sad one. I'm going to basically just write from my diary........ adding a few things here and there. Maybe I'll put the exact words in quotes or something. This was written about a month and a half after he died. I don't expect anyone to read the whole thing. And I apologize to everyone that I am not writing anything original this year.
I don't know why I am not. But I found this a week or so ago and just thought I wanted to post it.
We really knew we were getting to the end. We knew almost down to the week. The last week was so hard. He was in so much pain and seemed to get worse everyday. At this point we had him in a hospital bed in our living room with hospice and a nurse's aid coming. We took care of him most of the time.
"Friday he was very out of it but better than Thursday. His breathing was so bad. It could drive a person crazy just sitting next to him. At some point on Friday evening, I went to the Winter's (our Rabbi). They had invited me for dinner but I wasn't comfortable with leaving Pa (short for Papa, that's what we called my Dad) for so long. So I went to let them know and came back with chicken, chicken soup, kugel, etc. It was so nice of them. And for the first time in a long time, we had a hot Shabbas meal. After dinner, Adrian went out. Grandma, Mom, and I all sat with Pa. He seemed to be doing worse all of a sudden. We just sat around with him. We were crying and holding his hand. I think we all thought he wouldn't make it. I was just hoping Adrian would come home. We were telling Pa it's ok to go. We'll be all right. Finally, Adrian came home. I was holding Pa's hand and squeezing it and stroking it. I was waiting for a response of any kind. Finally, Pa squeezed my hand. It must have taken so much strength. But it felt so good to me.
Adrian and Mom went to sleep because he seemed stable. Grandma was going to sleep on the couch in the living room. She was lying down and I was sitting with Pa. I couldn't leave. Grandma fell asleep and told me to wake her if I go upstairs. He would occasionally open his eyes and I would talk to him and he understood - or seemed to. One time he woke up and was looking at me. He seemed so scared. So scared. I looked him in the eyes and said something like, "Pa, I love you so much but it's ok to go. I will be ok. I will miss you so much but it's ok." He got tears in his eyes and I told him that I knew he was in so much pain. But he is going to a much better place. He is going straight to Shamayim. Heaven. Gan Eden. I told him it will be wonderful there. He is such a Tzadik. I learnt so much from him. I told him he would be up there with Avraham and Moshe Rabeinu. He would be by Sara Emainu and Adam and Chava. He gave me a half smile, like one side of his mouth. It made me so happy. I kept telling him stuff and some of the fear left his eyes. It meant so much to me....
I don't remember much about Shabbas. I don't think that too much happened. Pa slept and we just stayed with him. Around Seudah Shlishi time, I got a bencher and just sat next to him and sang songs. Song after song after song. He loved music so much and used to love to sing. I wanted to make this time enjoyable for him. And music was a way I really felt connected to Hashem.
Saturday night I was home a bit but then I needed to get out. So I made plans to go to "Empire Strikes Back" with Edan and Eli S. A bunch of people came over Saturday night and kind of made a kumsitz for Pa. They sang Nigunim from Twersky and others. I think Pa enjoyed it. Although he couldn't talk, he made that moaning sound when he tried to communicate. So when they were singing, it was like he did it extra loud. Like he was singing along. It was nice.
At about 11:30, I was going to leave. I came downstairs and everyone was still there. It kind of annoyed me because I wanted to say bye and talk to Pa in private but whatever. So I went over to his bed. I gave him a hug and told him I was going out to a movie with friends. I said I would be home and see him later. I gave him a kiss and said "I love you".
Those are the last words I said to my father.......
I came back late that night and went into the kitchen. I had something to eat and listened to my father. Before I went upstairs, I was drawn towards the doorway of the living room. I wanted to go in and give my father a kiss but I didn't want to disturb Grandma who was sleeping on the couch. So I just stood there in the doorway. I wonder if Pa was awake and knew I was there.
Then I went upstairs to go to sleep. Pa was breathing and moaning so loud I could hear him all the way in my room. It kept me up for awhile but finally I fell asleep.
The next morning (Mom told me) she went downstairs to do laundry. She went in to check on Pa and he didn't seem like he was doing well. Mom felt his pulse and it was weak. He gazed into her eyes and she saw a tear in his eyes. Then he stopped breathing.
Mom called Grandma into the room and they were both with him until his pulse stopped a few moments later.
Mom ran upstairs into my room and tried to wake me up. Lazy me didn't want to get out of bed until Mom said, "Nattie, it's Pa. He's dying." I sat bolt upright in bed and said "What? What are you saying? What are you talking about?" I vaguely remember jumping out of bed and leaping across the room in one step. I don't remember walking down the stairs. I remember floating. I ran into the living room and Grandma was by his bed trying to close his eyes and mouth. She kept saying they won't close. They won't stay shut. As soon as I entered the room, I felt a peace settle on me. I wasn't crying or anything. I walked over to the other side of the bed and took Pa's hand. I kissed his head and started saying Tehillim, Kuf Lamed. "Shir Hamaalot, Mimaakim Karaticha Adoshem......"
Then I started crying. Mom and Adrian came downstairs and Mom stood next to me. Adrian stood at the foot of the bed. I just kept saying, "I love you" and kissing his hand and face. I think it hit me then because I fell to the floor crying and almost shrieking. Mom was saying Shema. It was about 9:30am. I don't know how long we stood there with him. There was a time when I was alone with him. I knew I was supposed to cover his face. But I couldn't. I knew it was the last I would see of him. So slowly I inched the blanket up to his face. Finally, I covered it.
Goodbye............
There is plenty more in my diary about that day. Details and details and how things played out. And plenty about the funeral too.
But I decided to stop here.
There isn't much to say. No, the pain isn't there the way it used to be. Maybe that's why I typed this. I felt like I needed to relive some of the pain. Some of the hell. Because I don't feel it every day anymore. Which is good. But when I do think of it.....I just miss him. I miss him so badly. And I wish he could be here with his grandchildren. Jonah and Sammy. And now new baby Iluma. (my niece)
It's not fair.......
So that's the story. I don't have plans for tomorrow. I am not doing anything special. Just the usual. I feel bad about that.
But if you are still reading this I want to make a request.......
Will you do something today for my Dad? Will you do something "Lilui Neshama" To raise up his Neshama? Please do a mitzvah - or have a L'Chaim - say a Bracha. And say that it is L'ilui Neshama Dovid ben Avraham (or if it's supposed to be the mother's name then it's Dovid ben Malka". If you have a chance to let me know you did something, that would be nice. But you don't have to.
Thank you.... and may we only know and celebrate good things!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Life oh life oh liiiiiiife
Sometimes I feel like I need an instruction manual for life. Maybe The Idiot's Guide to Life.
I'm not talking about the emotional ups and downs. I've dealt with some hard stuff. And there are books to help. And shoulders to lean on. People that stuck by my side no matter how cooky and emotional I got at times. And besides, everybody deals with that type of stuff differently.
I'm not talking about the spiritual stuff. We've got the Good Book. And plenty of books on the Good Book. And rabbi's and teachers and other various spiritual leaders to help with that stuff.
I'm just talking about the practical things. The stuff you don't neccesarily learn in school. Or forget it because school was so long ago. Certainly for those of that didn't go to college. And I don't think they teach these courses in college.
I'm talking about the stuff that Grown-ups know. :)
I don't feel like a Grown-Up. But I've got a husband, 2 kids, and a house. That seems like a grown-up thing.
But there is SO much I don't know.
Aside from parenting of course!!! I learn new things about that every day!!!
I'm talking about Owning a House. I'm talking about Owning a Car. I have learned that I don't have a clue about those things. I didn't know anything when we bought the house and now that we are selling, I am learning about all the things involved and what people look at when they buy a house. I don't know about painting and sealing windows and replacing screens. I didn't know about changing air filters and turning on humidifers. I didn't know about oil changes and new windshields.
And I haven't even touched on the subject of Finances!!!!!!
How do people learn these things? Where do they pick them up from? Their parents? Do-It-Yourself books? Trial and Error?
Why do I feel so uneducated????
It's overwhelming at times...........
I'm not talking about the emotional ups and downs. I've dealt with some hard stuff. And there are books to help. And shoulders to lean on. People that stuck by my side no matter how cooky and emotional I got at times. And besides, everybody deals with that type of stuff differently.
I'm not talking about the spiritual stuff. We've got the Good Book. And plenty of books on the Good Book. And rabbi's and teachers and other various spiritual leaders to help with that stuff.
I'm just talking about the practical things. The stuff you don't neccesarily learn in school. Or forget it because school was so long ago. Certainly for those of that didn't go to college. And I don't think they teach these courses in college.
I'm talking about the stuff that Grown-ups know. :)
I don't feel like a Grown-Up. But I've got a husband, 2 kids, and a house. That seems like a grown-up thing.
But there is SO much I don't know.
Aside from parenting of course!!! I learn new things about that every day!!!
I'm talking about Owning a House. I'm talking about Owning a Car. I have learned that I don't have a clue about those things. I didn't know anything when we bought the house and now that we are selling, I am learning about all the things involved and what people look at when they buy a house. I don't know about painting and sealing windows and replacing screens. I didn't know about changing air filters and turning on humidifers. I didn't know about oil changes and new windshields.
And I haven't even touched on the subject of Finances!!!!!!
How do people learn these things? Where do they pick them up from? Their parents? Do-It-Yourself books? Trial and Error?
Why do I feel so uneducated????
It's overwhelming at times...........
Friday, December 28, 2007
Cyber-Garage Sale
I want to start trying to sell some of the things we want to get rid of before The Big Move.
Does anyone know of a webpage where I can basically just post pictures, prices, and descriptions of things that I am selling?
It wouldn't be like Craig's List. More like a page that I can refer people to and it will always have the pics of whats for sale on it.
Also, any ideas of sites besides Craig's List and E-bay where I can sell things? Preferably local and no charge.
Let me know if you know of anything!
Thanks!
Does anyone know of a webpage where I can basically just post pictures, prices, and descriptions of things that I am selling?
It wouldn't be like Craig's List. More like a page that I can refer people to and it will always have the pics of whats for sale on it.
Also, any ideas of sites besides Craig's List and E-bay where I can sell things? Preferably local and no charge.
Let me know if you know of anything!
Thanks!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Homeopathic Cures
Here's the deal:
My baby has a perianal absess on his cute little tushie.
We've already been to the pediatrician 3-4 times about this.
We've been to the emergency room once to have it drained.
We've already been on antibiotics (2 kinds really because the first he was on for an ear infection and developed this absess and the second was a different kind to get rid of it. Didn't work)
And we have been to the pediatric surgeon.
The surgeon wants to wait 5-6 weeks to see if it will get better on it's own. If not, he will put my baby under and operate. The operation may or may not get rid of it. Thanks, doc.
In the meantime, there is nothing I can do except try hot baths and hot compresses.
Well, it's really hard to just sit around and do nothing - knowing that if this yucky thing doesn't go away, your 8 month old baby will have to have a surgical procedure!
So I'm thinking of trying out some holistic/homeopathic remedies for it. However, not sure how to pursue that. Anyone have any ideas????
My baby has a perianal absess on his cute little tushie.
We've already been to the pediatrician 3-4 times about this.
We've been to the emergency room once to have it drained.
We've already been on antibiotics (2 kinds really because the first he was on for an ear infection and developed this absess and the second was a different kind to get rid of it. Didn't work)
And we have been to the pediatric surgeon.
The surgeon wants to wait 5-6 weeks to see if it will get better on it's own. If not, he will put my baby under and operate. The operation may or may not get rid of it. Thanks, doc.
In the meantime, there is nothing I can do except try hot baths and hot compresses.
Well, it's really hard to just sit around and do nothing - knowing that if this yucky thing doesn't go away, your 8 month old baby will have to have a surgical procedure!
So I'm thinking of trying out some holistic/homeopathic remedies for it. However, not sure how to pursue that. Anyone have any ideas????
Monday, December 10, 2007
Cameras
I know, I know. I haven't written in months. I'm really bad.
Ok, I will TRY to start writing again. There is certainly a lot to say. Just no time to sit down in front of the computer and write it. When I'm at the computer, I'm generally working.
Anywhoo - DOES ANYONE STILL READ THIS???? IS ANYONE STILL OUT THERE??????
Now that I got that out of my system, um, we left our camera in a cab in Jerusalem along withour 200+ pictures from our trip to Israel. AHHH - the agony! Keep the camera but I just want our pictures back. Yah, that's not gonna happen.
ANYWHOO - so for our Chanukah present, we are pooling all the money we get and buying a new camera. Apparently, there are a LOT of cameras out there. I walked into a store and I walked out because there was too much variety.
So, I turn to you people to ask for recommendations of which digital camera is a good one. Or which is a bad one. Any comments, suggestions, helpful hints. All are appreciated.
THANKS!
And I really will try to blog more interesting stuff soon....one of these days.....
Ok, I will TRY to start writing again. There is certainly a lot to say. Just no time to sit down in front of the computer and write it. When I'm at the computer, I'm generally working.
Anywhoo - DOES ANYONE STILL READ THIS???? IS ANYONE STILL OUT THERE??????
Now that I got that out of my system, um, we left our camera in a cab in Jerusalem along withour 200+ pictures from our trip to Israel. AHHH - the agony! Keep the camera but I just want our pictures back. Yah, that's not gonna happen.
ANYWHOO - so for our Chanukah present, we are pooling all the money we get and buying a new camera. Apparently, there are a LOT of cameras out there. I walked into a store and I walked out because there was too much variety.
So, I turn to you people to ask for recommendations of which digital camera is a good one. Or which is a bad one. Any comments, suggestions, helpful hints. All are appreciated.
THANKS!
And I really will try to blog more interesting stuff soon....one of these days.....
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Dippin Dots
Every time we go to the zoo, we wonder if Dippin Dots are kosher. S and I have both heard that they are kosher in Pittsburgh and we always say we'll have to check it out when we get home. But we never do.
Tonight I was online catching up on e-mails and I have no idea what made me think of it but I went to the Dippin Dots website to check the kosher status. I saw the following paragraph in the FAQ section.
Are Dippin' Dots Kosher?
Tonight I was online catching up on e-mails and I have no idea what made me think of it but I went to the Dippin Dots website to check the kosher status. I saw the following paragraph in the FAQ section.
Are Dippin' Dots Kosher?
In addition to our plant being FDA and USDA approved, Dippin' Dots are certified Kosher. The certification is Kosher-Dairy for year-round use (excluding Passover) by the Vaad Hoeir of St.Louis, MO. The symbol for the Vaad Hoeir is a circled V.
I thought that was so interesting. I don't know if it was interesting that they are Kosher and no one knows it or it was interesting that it's the Vaad of St.Louis that certifies it. Anywhoo, I wanted to confirm so I went to the Vaad of St.Louis website but didn't find a list of places that they certify. So I e-mailed them and we'll see what I hear back!
Anyone know anything about it?Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Present Etiquette
I may have posted this before but I forgot the answer.
What's the deal with bridal shower presents and wedding presents? Are we supposed to give both? Is one supposed to be bigger than the other?
If we go in for an out-of-town wedding - do we still have to give a gift?
Let me know what you think!!
What's the deal with bridal shower presents and wedding presents? Are we supposed to give both? Is one supposed to be bigger than the other?
If we go in for an out-of-town wedding - do we still have to give a gift?
Let me know what you think!!
Sunday, July 29, 2007
MPG-CAP
Does anyone know anything about this capsule that is supposed to increase your miles per gallon? Has anyone tried it?
I'm very curious why it's not a bigger thing........
Let me know your thoughts.
You can check out www.earthremedy.com for a news story about it. And it seems you can actually purchase it at www.gassyrealtors.com
What do you think???
I'm very curious why it's not a bigger thing........
Let me know your thoughts.
You can check out www.earthremedy.com for a news story about it. And it seems you can actually purchase it at www.gassyrealtors.com
What do you think???
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Doula
Oops. Sorry it has been so long since I have posted. And a lot has gone on in my life. One day perhaps I will have a chance to sit down and write about it. Ha.
Anywhoo, I've been thinking about doing this for awhile but haven't done anything about it. I am ready to do something about it but don't know where to begin. So I turn to my blogging audience (anyone left out there?) for your help and possible knowledge.
I am thinking of becoming a doula. And perhaps further down the road - a midwife. But I'll stick with a doula for now.
And that is what I am up to. Where do I go from here?
Anyone know anything about becoming a doula or know anyone who is one/has used one. Etc?
If so, let me know!!!!
Anywhoo, I've been thinking about doing this for awhile but haven't done anything about it. I am ready to do something about it but don't know where to begin. So I turn to my blogging audience (anyone left out there?) for your help and possible knowledge.
I am thinking of becoming a doula. And perhaps further down the road - a midwife. But I'll stick with a doula for now.
And that is what I am up to. Where do I go from here?
Anyone know anything about becoming a doula or know anyone who is one/has used one. Etc?
If so, let me know!!!!
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Friday, April 06, 2007
Almost New Baby Day Today
So, I woke up this morning at 7:30am and thought to myself. Huh, I could have been going to the hospital right now for my scheduled c-section.
Then I woke up at 8 something and thought. Hmm... I wonder what I would have been doing now. Filling out paperwork, getting into a hospital gown. Would I be tired? Excited? Scared?
Then I woke up at 9:30 and said wow, this is when my c-section was supposed to start. So they would have just been making the first slice. :)
And then when I woke up at 10 (yes, I got to sleep in today. G-d bless mothers-in-laws!!) I thought to myself, well, they probably would have just been delivering my baby. I guess I will get up.
:)
Those are some crazy thoughts!!!!!!!! But today was when my c-section was scheduled for. Until the baby flipped (yay!!). Although even after they saw that the baby flipped, they asked if I still wanted to cancel it. Well, I thought about it for a second but opted against it. The conveniance of it all just wasn't worth the pain and risk of a c-section.
So, now we are just waiting....and waiting....and waiting......
Wish us luck! We'll keep you posted!
Then I woke up at 8 something and thought. Hmm... I wonder what I would have been doing now. Filling out paperwork, getting into a hospital gown. Would I be tired? Excited? Scared?
Then I woke up at 9:30 and said wow, this is when my c-section was supposed to start. So they would have just been making the first slice. :)
And then when I woke up at 10 (yes, I got to sleep in today. G-d bless mothers-in-laws!!) I thought to myself, well, they probably would have just been delivering my baby. I guess I will get up.
:)
Those are some crazy thoughts!!!!!!!! But today was when my c-section was scheduled for. Until the baby flipped (yay!!). Although even after they saw that the baby flipped, they asked if I still wanted to cancel it. Well, I thought about it for a second but opted against it. The conveniance of it all just wasn't worth the pain and risk of a c-section.
So, now we are just waiting....and waiting....and waiting......
Wish us luck! We'll keep you posted!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Woo hoo!!!!
The baby turned!!!! And now it's head down and hopefully not going anywhere (yet).
So, I guess all those rough nights with baby moving all over the place were worth it. Whew.
So my scheduled c-section is canceled and now we just wait around for labor to start.
It may still end up being a c-section but at least it's in a better position.
Keep ya posted.....................
So, I guess all those rough nights with baby moving all over the place were worth it. Whew.
So my scheduled c-section is canceled and now we just wait around for labor to start.
It may still end up being a c-section but at least it's in a better position.
Keep ya posted.....................
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Questions
I've started a list of questions. They are things I want to ask G-d after 120. Most of them are pretty big ones. But I added a new one on Tuesday. Not as big. But something I am really wondering about.
As most people reading my blog know, I am expecting and the due date is about 3 weeks away. With my first child, I ended up having a C-section after 32 hours of labor and I had a very difficult recovery. I'm sure it was not helped by the gallstones and gallbladder removal 3 months post c-section but whatever the case may be, it was rough. While pregnant with my first, I read a LOT of books and had hopes of delivering with no pain meds and even started off the first 12 hours in the Birthing Center at Providence Hospital. A VERY comfortable place that I recommend everyone start at even if they end up moving to labor and delivery. :)
Anyway in the books I read I pretty much breezed past the c-section parts thinking no way, not me. But I do remember reading that a lot of women feel cheated after a c-section. They are upset, they feel like they failed, etc. I did not feel that way after my delivery. I wasn't happy about it but it was just the way things were.
Until I got pregnant with #2. Then I started wondering...... can I handle a regular delivery? Would I be able to do it? Would I really be able to push a CHILD out of my body??? I don't know. Drugs or no drugs, that's a pretty scary thing. Maybe I can't do it. Maybe my body doesn't work that way.
As little girls, we grow up learning that we are supposed to get married, get pregnant, and have a baby. Babies come out of certain parts of our body and scary as it is, if you push a baby out of your body - you can do anything!!!!!! It's an impressive task and I am always amazed hearing people talk about their birthing experience. I am always really awed by it.
And I question whether or not I can do it. I want to do it. I want to have that experience. Even if it's just once. So pregnant, with Baby #2 - that was my plan. 3 of the 4 doctors in my practice were very supportive of it. There are risks involved with VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Delivery) but they are small and the docs felt there was no reason not to try for it as long as I am aware that it may not work out and I may have to have another section. Ok, fair enough. So over the past 2 months, I have started my reading again. Learning about the different stages of labor, coping with the pain of contractions, various pushing positions. I was getting ready for the big marathon. As friends have described it, the hardest physical thing you will EVER do in your life. So I was preparing. And I was actually getting excited. Scared, but excited. I spoke with friends about their birthing experiences, trying to understand how it works, how it feels. And weird as it sounds, I was looking forward to going into labor. To reaching the pushing stage. To that amazing moment when a child actually comes out of me??!?!??! WOAH.
Then my plans came screeching to a halt. I went to the doc on Tuesday and it turns out, the baby is sideways. Not only sideways but spine down. Normally the doctors would manually turn the baby. However, since I had a C-section the first time, this doctor doesn't want to try and turn it because she is afraid of my scar rupturing. That could end up in a very bad outcome for the baby and possibly for me. So that means they will do a scheduled C-Section. Sorry, no chance for VBAC.
Not only that but if the baby stays in this position with the spine down, they will have to do a vertical incision to get it out because they can't deliver a back. My first section was a horizontal incision so one consolation I had in regards to a second c-section was that they will be cutting over scar tissue and dead nerves so it won't be quite as bad a recovery as the first time. Woo hoo.... But if they do a vertical incision, it means a whole new pain, a whole new recovery AND no chance for VBAC with any future children. The chance of rupture with a vertical incision is much higher than a horizontal one.
And I will never know. I will never know whether or not I could have birthed a baby the way women are "supposed" to. I will never know if I have that in me. I will never be able to say, I can do anything - I pushed a child out of my body!!!
So it's on my list of questions.
Why me?
Why not someone else who wants a c-section?
Could I have done it??
Why didn't I get the chance to find out??
There are more thoughts about this upcoming experience but I have to go to work so they will be saved for another time.
Stay tuned..................
As most people reading my blog know, I am expecting and the due date is about 3 weeks away. With my first child, I ended up having a C-section after 32 hours of labor and I had a very difficult recovery. I'm sure it was not helped by the gallstones and gallbladder removal 3 months post c-section but whatever the case may be, it was rough. While pregnant with my first, I read a LOT of books and had hopes of delivering with no pain meds and even started off the first 12 hours in the Birthing Center at Providence Hospital. A VERY comfortable place that I recommend everyone start at even if they end up moving to labor and delivery. :)
Anyway in the books I read I pretty much breezed past the c-section parts thinking no way, not me. But I do remember reading that a lot of women feel cheated after a c-section. They are upset, they feel like they failed, etc. I did not feel that way after my delivery. I wasn't happy about it but it was just the way things were.
Until I got pregnant with #2. Then I started wondering...... can I handle a regular delivery? Would I be able to do it? Would I really be able to push a CHILD out of my body??? I don't know. Drugs or no drugs, that's a pretty scary thing. Maybe I can't do it. Maybe my body doesn't work that way.
As little girls, we grow up learning that we are supposed to get married, get pregnant, and have a baby. Babies come out of certain parts of our body and scary as it is, if you push a baby out of your body - you can do anything!!!!!! It's an impressive task and I am always amazed hearing people talk about their birthing experience. I am always really awed by it.
And I question whether or not I can do it. I want to do it. I want to have that experience. Even if it's just once. So pregnant, with Baby #2 - that was my plan. 3 of the 4 doctors in my practice were very supportive of it. There are risks involved with VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Delivery) but they are small and the docs felt there was no reason not to try for it as long as I am aware that it may not work out and I may have to have another section. Ok, fair enough. So over the past 2 months, I have started my reading again. Learning about the different stages of labor, coping with the pain of contractions, various pushing positions. I was getting ready for the big marathon. As friends have described it, the hardest physical thing you will EVER do in your life. So I was preparing. And I was actually getting excited. Scared, but excited. I spoke with friends about their birthing experiences, trying to understand how it works, how it feels. And weird as it sounds, I was looking forward to going into labor. To reaching the pushing stage. To that amazing moment when a child actually comes out of me??!?!??! WOAH.
Then my plans came screeching to a halt. I went to the doc on Tuesday and it turns out, the baby is sideways. Not only sideways but spine down. Normally the doctors would manually turn the baby. However, since I had a C-section the first time, this doctor doesn't want to try and turn it because she is afraid of my scar rupturing. That could end up in a very bad outcome for the baby and possibly for me. So that means they will do a scheduled C-Section. Sorry, no chance for VBAC.
Not only that but if the baby stays in this position with the spine down, they will have to do a vertical incision to get it out because they can't deliver a back. My first section was a horizontal incision so one consolation I had in regards to a second c-section was that they will be cutting over scar tissue and dead nerves so it won't be quite as bad a recovery as the first time. Woo hoo.... But if they do a vertical incision, it means a whole new pain, a whole new recovery AND no chance for VBAC with any future children. The chance of rupture with a vertical incision is much higher than a horizontal one.
And I will never know. I will never know whether or not I could have birthed a baby the way women are "supposed" to. I will never know if I have that in me. I will never be able to say, I can do anything - I pushed a child out of my body!!!
So it's on my list of questions.
Why me?
Why not someone else who wants a c-section?
Could I have done it??
Why didn't I get the chance to find out??
There are more thoughts about this upcoming experience but I have to go to work so they will be saved for another time.
Stay tuned..................
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Our Purim Theme
The job of being parents
is never quite done,
We started off quiet
with our number one son.
We decided this year
on a new little addition,
Ignoring the expenses
of diapers and tuition!
Please enjoy some "tools"
to celebrate our renovation,
We're so happy to share
our news and jubilation.
We promise we'll share pictures
when the "labor" is all done.
Purim Sameyach from
Shauli, Natalie, Jonah Z.,
and soon-to-be plus one!
And these were our Mishloach Manot.......
Thanks so much to my mom for help with the general theme idea and to Sho for the poem!!!!
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Breast Cancer Hospitalization Bill
There's a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. It's about eliminating the
"drive-through mastectomy" where women are forced to go home just a few hours after surgery, against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached.
Lifetime Television has put this bill on their web page with a petition drive to show your support. Last year over half the House signed on.
PLEASE!! Sign the petition by clicking on the web site below. You need not give more than your name and zip code number.
"drive-through mastectomy" where women are forced to go home just a few hours after surgery, against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached.
Lifetime Television has put this bill on their web page with a petition drive to show your support. Last year over half the House signed on.
PLEASE!! Sign the petition by clicking on the web site below. You need not give more than your name and zip code number.
This takes about 2 seconds. PLEASE PASS THIS ON to your friends and family too!
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